If you’ve ever fallen down a late-night internet rabbit hole, you’ll know there are two types of people in this world: those who scroll past pimple-popping videos instantly… and those who turn the volume up.
There is absolutely no in-between.
The latest clip going viral is being described as “deeply satisfying,” “traumatising,” and “the most illegal thing I’ve seen on my phone this year” — all at the same time. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
The video starts with a close-up shot of what looks like a painfully swollen bump sitting right on someone’s cheek. It’s red. It’s shiny. It looks like it’s been plotting revenge for days.
You can almost feel the pressure through the screen.
There’s a gloved hand hovering. A tissue ready. The tension is unreal.
The first squeeze doesn’t do much — just a slight bulge under the skin. The second squeeze? That’s when it happens.
A thick, pale stream forces its way out in one long, continuous ribbon that has viewers both gagging and cheering. It doesn’t just “pop.” It erupts. And it keeps going far longer than anyone expects.
Comment sections have absolutely lost their minds.
“I’m disgusted but I’ve watched it 14 times,” one person wrote.
Another said: “Why is this more satisfying than my entire life?”
It’s chaotic. It’s revolting. It’s somehow… impressive?
There’s a reason this kind of content racks up millions of views. Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee built an entire empire around it, turning extractions into viral gold and even landing her own series, Dr. Pimple Popper.
Experts say watching pressure release triggers a strange sense of relief in our brains. It’s the same reason people love oddly satisfying cleaning videos. There’s a build-up, a climax, and a resolution. Problem. Action. Reward.
Your brain sees the blockage clear and goes, “Ahhh. Order restored.”
But here’s the not-so-fun part.
As tempting as it might be to run to the mirror and attempt your own dramatic extraction, dermatologists seriously advise against it. What looks like a simple whitehead in a viral clip can actually be a cyst or an abscess — and squeezing it incorrectly can push bacteria deeper into the skin.
That can lead to infections, swelling, scarring, and in rare cases, complications that require medical treatment.
There’s even something called the “danger triangle” on your face — the area from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth — where infections can be more serious due to how blood vessels connect internally.
So while watching someone else unleash what social media has dubbed “forbidden toothpaste” might be weirdly therapeutic, doing it yourself without proper tools or hygiene is a different story.
And let’s be honest — a lot of these viral clips are filmed under bright lights, with gloves, and sometimes after professional prep. Your bathroom mirror at 11pm? Not quite the same conditions.
Still, none of that is stopping the internet.
The video continues to rack up views by the second. Reaction stitches are everywhere. People are filming themselves watching it for the first time — equal parts horrified and mesmerised.
It’s gross. It’s compelling. It’s strangely triumphant.
And if you’re reading this while pretending you wouldn’t click play… we both know that’s not true.
Just maybe don’t do it while you’re eating.
